New OPB Documentary Explores the Legacy of Senator Richard Neuberger
A new documentary examining the life of midcentury U.S. Senator Richard “Dick” Neuberger debuted on OPB on Nov. 5, bringing fresh attention to a political figure who remains largely unfamiliar to modern Oregonians outside of Portland State University campus geography. Willamette Week reported that the 23-minute film, titled Richard Neuberger: The Oregon Revolution of 1954, is now streaming on the OPB website as part of the broadcaster’s Oregon Experience series.
Oregon Historical Society executive director Kerry Tymchuk notes in the documentary that Neuberger operated as the state’s first celebrity candidate. Before entering elected office, Neuberger established himself as a prolific journalist and author, writing for publications such as The Nation and The New York Times, in addition to publishing a book on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Archival footage in the film captures early 20th-century Portland locations, including downtown streets, Ainsworth Elementary School, Congregation Beth Israel, and his home in the West Hills.
From Journalism to the Senate in 1954
The core of the documentary centers on Neuberger’s historic 1954 election victory, which made him the first Democrat to represent Oregon in the U.S. Senate in 40 years. Steve Forrester, who co-founded Willamette Week in 1974 and published the biography Richard Neuberger: Oregon Politics and the Making of a US Senator last year, serves as the primary source material for the film adaptation produced by Jacob Pander of OPB.
“His story and his election victory in 1954 sends a message that politics can change,” Tymchuk says in the documentary, pointing to how a long-standing one-party state shifted rapidly into a two-party arena. Alongside Forrester and Tymchuk, the film features commentary from U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, former U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer, University of Oregon journalism professor Brent Walth, and members of the Neuberger family.
Political Legacy Cut Short
Neuberger’s political trajectory ended abruptly when he died following a stroke in 1960 at the age of 47. Following his death, his wife, Maurine Neuberger, launched her own successful political campaign and won his vacant Senate seat.
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